Automated water treatment and delivery apparatus

ABSTRACT

A live fish transport system is described herein. In particular, a modular live fish transport tote, an oxygen delivery system, an automated water treatment and delivery apparatus, and a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution are described. Methods of making and using these components, either alone or in combination with each other, are also described.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an efficient live fish transportsystem. Also, the present invention relates to the components of thissystem including: a modular live fish transport tote, an oxygen deliverysystem, an automated water treatment and delivery apparatus and methodsfor use therefor, as well as a chemically and biologically balancedaquaculture solution and method for making same. The invention isapplicable to fin fish as well as other seafood species such as crabs,oysters, lobsters, shrimp, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Live fish in the United States have traditionally beentransported over-the-road by “livehaul” trucks. These are typicallyflatbed trucks that have been significantly modified to carry fish.Modifications include the permanent installation of multiple insulatedfixed tanks or boxes in the flatbed. These tanks typically have hingedlids on the top and one or more circular or rectangular release gates onthe tank side(s) for discharging water and fish together. Mechanicalaeration with small motors and propellers to splash the water have morerecently given way to liquid oxygen tanks, manifolds carrying thegaseous oxygen to oxygen flow meters (or rotometers), and subsequentlyto bubblers located in the bottoms of the tanks.

[0003] The transportation of liquid oxygen is highly regulated. TheUnited States Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) have recently beenamended to require permits for the transport of liquid oxygen held under20 psi pressure. This is well below the 50 psi operating pressure usedby most live fish transporters. Live fish transporters that employ atank, cylinder or the like of cryogenic oxygen plumbed into a “processsystem” are not regulated by HMR and may be exempt from special permits(49 C.F.R. §173.320(b). However, any tank that is not an integral partof the process system or that is disconnected from the process system(e.g., a spare tank), is fully subject to HMR. Thus, to avoid cumbersomeregulations and the hassle of the permit process, a preferred live fishtransport system would be one that avoids the need for additionalnon-integral and/or spare tanks of liquid oxygen. The invention hereinaddresses this need by providing a more efficient oxygen deliverysystem.

[0004] In addition to facilitating compliance with HazMat regulations,the present invention may further facilitate compliance with FDAregulations. Newly instituted rules regarding prepared food fish (e.g.,chilled or frozen seafood) require extensive testing and record keepingthat is impractical for the smaller seafood producer. Though intended toincrease the level of inspection and control of seafood as close to thesource as possible, these rules have in fact encouraged the smallproducers to look more favorably upon selling fish live instead offrozen or chilled. As described in detail below, the present inventionreduces costs and overhead associated with live fish transport, furtherencouraging producers to sell fish live rather than prepared.

[0005] The standard livehaul truck may be used for live bait hauling orfingerling stocking as well as for transporting live food fish.Long-haul livehaul trucks are usually 18-wheelers, and short-haul trucksare usually straight bodied three-axled 10-wheelers. Due to the varietyand types of loads, pickup and discharge locations, the configuration ofthese livehaul trucks is far from standardized. Rather, the livehaultruck is a highly specialized, dedicated piece of equipment for whichthere is little or no other alternative use. Due to the limited supplyand erratic schedules of these specialized trucks, live fish producersand their customers are rarely able to coordinate supply and demand.

[0006] Loading of the live fish onto the dedicated livehaul truck can bequite cumbersome and costly. Typically, the fish are loaded dry (i.e.,in nets without water), directly from the tanks and/or ponds of the fishfarm into the integral fish tanks of the livehaul truck. Fish producersare faced with dirty trucks arriving with biologically “hot” fishdiseases, breaking the bio-security of their facilities with unknownconsequences for remaining fish on the farm, and diseases almostcertainly transferred to the fish being transported and sold.Furthermore, the livehaul truck frequently must be retrofitted withstiffening and strength materials to allow it to traverse the poorlymaintained farm roads and climb the pond levee. The stiffening andstrengthening add to the tare weight of the truck and, therefore, theshipping costs. The on-site loading results in a lot of wasted truck anddriver time, which also adds to the total cost of shipping.

[0007] There are clearly significant disadvantages and drawbacksassociated with the current livehaul system. The present inventionattempts to address these problems, to remove the limitations and reducethe overall costs associated with live transport of commercialquantities of food fish.

[0008] For example, there is clearly a need in the art to “uncouple” thefish farmer from the traditional livehaul trucker's specializedequipment and instead allow the farmer to use any common carrier'sequipment such as a flatbed truck or enclosed van. The present inventionaddresses this need by providing modular, standardized, forkliftablefish transport and storage totes designed to be readily interchangeable,regardless of the type of truck or fish to be transported.

[0009] There is further a need to reduce time between harvest anddelivery. Traditional livehaul trucks require that the fish be“prepared” in either dedicated purging tanks for days prior to shipmentor on the truck once the fish are loaded. Preparation typically involveschilling down the fish to slow their metabolism and the adjusting thewater chemistry and dissolved oxygen level tank by tank on the truck.The present invention addresses this problem by allowing the farmer toready the fish upon receipt of order. The truck then arrives to ashipment ready to be immediately loaded and transported.

[0010] On a related note, the current methods of thermally preparingfish are quite problematic. Typically, fish are chilled by adding baggedcrushed or block ice to the fish tank. This method is very dangerous andusually harmful to fish. Sudden large water temperature changes (up ordown) are stressful and potentially lethal to fish. Control and accuracywith ice is virtually impossible. The present invention addresses thisproblem by providing an automated water treatment and deliveryapparatus, including a chiller/heat pump, to carefully control theamount of temperature change and the rate of change per unit of time,digitally monitoring and adjusting against given settings, without humanintervention.

[0011] There is further a need to limit the handling, netting, moving bypump, draining via chutes, and otherwise touching of the live fishbetween production tank and end user, to eliminate the numerousintermediate transport handling steps that are currently required. Thesystem of the present invention allows the fish to be harvested directlyinto modular fish transport totes, purging and preparing (e.g.,chilling) the fish for shipment in the same tote, and transporting,distributing and holding the fish at the destination until sold withoutremoving the fish from the harvest tote.

[0012] The above process not only reduces the introduction and transferof biohazards but also results in considerable labor and material energycost savings. Traditional harvest-purge-chilling systems use largenon-insulated tanks that are open to the air. The larger volume of waterand the lack of insulation together correlate to much more electricalpower consumption. Likewise, the requisite rate of heat gain or losscorrelates to much larger, more expensive compressor units and morecompressor motors. For example, whereas fish in a traditional load-out”production tank, typically an uninsulated, out-of-doors, concrete tank,can take 36 to 48 hours to “prepare”, fish prepared using the system ofthe present invention can be prepared in under 8 hours with certainty oftiming and temperature, with less electrical energy and managementsupervision.

[0013] There is further a need to protect against the introduction andtransfer of fish born diseases, both at the origin site and destinationsite. Commingling fish species from widely separate, often unknownsources, threatens the entire live food fish industry. Likewise, certainstates, such as California are currently contemplating “non-dumping”laws which would forbid the dumping of out-of-state live fish transportwaters on the ground or into non-municipal water-treatment drainage toprevent the introduction of out-of-state fish diseases.

[0014] The modular nature of the fish transport tanks of the presentinvention address both of these issues. First, unlike the currentgeneration of fish transport tanks, the fish transport totes of thepresent invention do not utilize a side port that dispenses both fishand water together. Rather, the totes have a hinged yet removable lidand sides that coordinate with the standard forklift, allowing the totesto be rotated and dumped by forklift, thereby avoiding the substantialground spillage associated with the conventional side port designed forfish and water dispensing. Second, the fish transport totes of thepresent invention have removable components and an easily accessibleinterior. This allows all surfaces of the tote and its components to bedecontaminated between loads, thereby lowering the risk of pathogentransfer among the fish pond, truck and destination site.

[0015] There is further a need to efficiently maintain a balancedenvironment for the fish during transport. Conventional fish transporttanks are generally sealed during transport. While this indeed preventswater spillage, it also prevents free air exchange which, in turn,results in a build up of toxic chemicals, such as carbon dioxide andammonia, in the fish environment. In fact, dirty, murky water is thenorm for most livehaul shipments. On-board water recycling systems areknown in the art of crustacean transport (see, for example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,089,298). However, in terms of capital cost and loss of payloadconsiderations with the 80,000 pound max federal gross weighttruck-trailer limitation, the incorporation of such devices into thecommercial transport of food fish is so expensive and inefficient as tobe impractical.

[0016] The present invention addresses this need by providing anautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus for use at the toteorigin and a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solutionfor use in transit. Also, as described in detail herein, the presentinvention provides a system designed to take dirty water from manyindividual tanks, filter it, chill it, remove ammonia and carbon dioxidein a central unit, and return the processed water back to many tanks.Because of potentially different bio-loadings of individual totes, theindependent oxygen delivery system is separate from the watercirculation, allowing one to turn off the water circulation pump andhold the fish in the totes without water exchanges. Thus, fish may betransported and stored over extended periods of time in the balancedaquaculture solution of the present invention without need for waterrecycling or water exchange.

[0017] In addition to solving many of the problems associated withtraditional live fish transport, the system of the present inventionallows advances not possible or practicable under current systems. Forexample, using the system of the present invention, one can“accessorize” the farm fish. Instead of backhauling empty totes, smallquantities of other species can be “sourced” at the farm site, placed intotes, transhipped, and loaded out with the other totes filled with thefarm fish. Thus, the totes may be individualized for a particularmarket, mixing and matching small quantities in mixed loads intended fora variety of different locations. This “accessorizing” of species can behandled with a high degree of uniqueness impossible with traditionallivehaul trucks.

[0018] Likewise, the present industry norm has live fish in a “holding”pattern, not gaining weight but taking up production tank space thatcould be used to grow additional pounds of new fish. The system of thepresent invention allows for the harvest of “market-sized” fish whenready, and keeping them in a finished goods inventory occupyingsubstantially less space at a fraction of the cost, and far moreconcentrated in terms of space taken up. Fish transported undertraditional conditions (e.g., kept off feed at higher water temperaturesand with water chemistry that causes them to stress while trying toosmoregulate) lose 4-5% of their body weight per day. Conversely, fishstored in stasis in the inventive totes, when coordinated with theautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus of the presentinvention, lose less than ¼% of their body weight per day. Thus,customers can be assured of selling virtually all the live fish weightthey purchase.

[0019] Finally, recipients of traditional livehaul loads generally musthave their own display or holding tanks to receive the off-loaded livefish. The present invention allows the delivered fish to stay in thetransport totes, and thus provides a variable holding capacityadjustable with each delivery of fish. The inventive totes can bepallet-jacked to a space within a retail supermarket seafood departmentand hooked up to a small high-pressure bottle of oxygen. The live fishcan then be netted and sold directly out of the tote to the end user.The modular nature of the totes allows supermarkets to take delivery ofmuch higher volumes without the fixed capital cost of meeting a seasonaldemand change.

[0020] In sum, the present invention not only improves aspects of theconventional live fish transport system but may indeed revolutionize theentire live seafood industry. The present invention allows theconventional “harvest to order” mode of fish farming to be replaced by acontinuously maintained inventory of live fish finished goods availablefor shipment at any time, on a moment's notice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention generally relates to a system for improvingthe efficiency of live fish transport. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to the components of the system including a live fishtransport tote, an oxygen delivery system, an automated water treatmentand delivery apparatus, and a chemically and biologically balancedaquaculture solution.

[0022] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providean oxygen delivery system having (1) an oxygen flow meter; (2) a supplycoupling for fluidically connecting the flow meter to an oxygen supplyline; (3) a delivery coupling for fluidically connecting the flow meterto an oxygen delivery line; (4) an oxygen diffusing system comprised ofradially projecting or extending oxygen diffusers directing oxygen flowto the periphery of a fish tank; and (5) an oxygen delivery linesealingly connecting the rotometer to the oxygen diffusing system.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular“forkliftable” insulated live fish transport tote formed from alightweight, durable, food-grade material and having interior andexterior surfaces, an integral base and side walls, and a gasketedremovable lid with a vent hole disposed in the center thereof.

[0024] The live fish transport totes of the present invention may beused in combination with other aspects of the present invention, such asthe oxygen supply system, the balanced aquaculture solution and thewater treatment and delivery apparatus described herein. However, thefish totes of the present invention are not limited to this utility orcombination.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide amethod for using the inventive totes to transport and store live fishover extended periods of time with minimal morbidity and mortality.

[0026] Still another object of the present invention is to provide achemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution fortransporting and storing live fish over extended periods of time withminimal morbidity and mortality. The solution is maintained at atemperature sufficient to induce thermal stasis in fish. In addition,the solution is substantially free from carbon dioxide and ammonia, andfurther contains an osmoregulatory salt gradient, an oxygen saturationlevel sufficient to maintain a plurality of fish, a calcium waterhardness level sufficient to induce toughening of fish scales, a dynamicpH buffering system, and a bioactive bacterial culture. Unliketraditional live fish haulers, the present invention does not requirethe use of non-FDA anesthetic chemicals to quiet and still the fish. Allthe components of the inventive solution, including the active bacteria,are food-grade, e.g., human ingestible chemicals found in ordinaryfoods.

[0027] The present invention further provides a method for preparing thechemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution for use intransporting live fish over extended period of time, comprising thesteps of: (a) removing particulate matter from source water; (b)filtering the source water through an ammonia remover; (c) adjusting thetemperature of the filtered water to a temperature suitable to inducethermal stasis in fish; (d) removing the carbon dioxide from saidcooled, filtered water; and (e) adding chemical and biological balancingcomponents to the water.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus for removing water froma plurality of live fish transport tanks and treating and returning thewater to the same tanks, the apparatus comprising: (1) an ammoniaremover; (2) a temperature controller; (3) a water reservoir; (4) acarbon dioxide remover; (5) a water dispenser; (6) a suction system; and(7) a circulation pump for circulating water through components (1)-(6),wherein the components are fluidically interconnected.

[0029] Still another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for transporting and storing live fish over extended periods oftime comprising the steps of (a) harvesting a quantity of fish andsource water into a plurality of live fish transport totes; (b)coordinating the totes with the automated water treatment and deliveryapparatus, such as that described above, wherein the apparatus suctionsystem removes source water from the totes and the apparatus circulationpump circulates the source water through the apparatus filtration andtreatment components; (c) treating the filtered source water andcontinuously circulating the water therethrough until a chemically andbiologically balanced aquaculture solution is established; (d) returningthe aquaculture solution via the apparatus water dispenser to theplurality of live fish transport totes; and (e) loading said totes ontoa delivery vehicle, wherein said fish may be transported and storedwithin said totes for an extended period of time with minimal stockloss.

[0030] These and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of theinvention will become evident upon reference to the followingdescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIGS. 1A-1C depict typical dedicated livehaul trucks (Prior Art).FIG. 1A depicts a side view of a short-haul livehaul truck, particularlyshowing the hinged lids and side ports of the fish tanks. FIGS. 1B and1C depicts a side view of a long-haul livehaul truck, particularlyshowing the side ports for simultaneously dispensing of both water andfish.

[0032]FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a preferred embodiment of the livetransport fish tote, particularly depicting the removable, gasketed lidwith periscope disposed therein and the forkliftable footed base andside walls.

[0033]FIG. 3 depicts a bottom-up view of the footed base of thepreferred embodiment of the live transport fish tote, particularlydepicting the open and closed slots, formed between center and cornersupports, that coordinate with the tines of a forklift and the twistlock pin receiving hole disposed in the each of the four corners. FIGS.3A and 3B depict top down (3A) and lateral views (3B) of the twist lockpins that coordinate with the twist lock pin receiving holes to lock thetote in position during transit.

[0034]FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view in cross section of a top cornerof the preferred embodiment of the live transport fish tote,particularly depicting the bulkhead fitting and periscope disposed inthe vent hole in the top of the lid and the sealing gasket disposedbetween lid and side walls.

[0035]FIG. 5 depicts a top-down view of the lid for the preferredembodiment of the live transport fish tote, particularly depicting thebulkhead fitting (without periscope) and plurality of cam lock fittingsdisposed at the corners of the lid.

[0036] FIGS. 6A-C depict exploded views of the coordinating cam lockhook and fitting disposed between the lid and corner of the preferredembodiment of the live transport fish tote. FIG. 6A depicts a top-downview of the corner of the tote, particularly depicting the recessed camlock hook disposed on the corner of the tote side wall. FIG. 6B depictsa side view in cross section of the corner of the tote side wall,particularly depicting the recessed cam lock hook and gasket lip. FIG.6B depicts a side view in cross section of the corner of the tote sidewall engaged with the corner of the tote lid, particularly depicting theinteraction between cam lock hook and cam lock fitting.

[0037]FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view in cross section of a bottomcorner of the preferred embodiment of the live transport fish tote,particularly depicting the anchors adhered to the base of the interior.

[0038]FIG. 8 depicts a side view in cross section of a preferredembodiment of the oxygen delivery system in combination a preferredembodiment of the fish transport tote.

[0039]FIG. 9 depicts a top down view of the preferred embodiment of theoxygen delivery system in combination a preferred embodiment of the fishtransport tote, particularly depicting the “X” configuration of theoxygen diffusers.

[0040]FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view in cross section of a bottomcorner of the tote, particularly depicting the interaction between theoxygen diffusers of the oxygen delivery system and the anchors of thefish transport tote.

[0041]FIG. 11 depicts a schematic of a preferred embodiment of the watertreatment and delivery apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] As used herein, the term “fish” encompasses not only animalstaxonomically classified as such (e.g., fin fish) but also “fisheryproducts” and includes, for example, a wide variety of saltwater andfreshwater fish species as well as crustaceans, shellfish, and otherspecies exhibiting similar life-support requirements.

[0043] As used herein, the term “tote” refers to an insulated containermodified and adapted for harvesting, storing and transporting live fish.The totes of the present invention have generally rectangular or squarecross-section, although other shapes are within the scope of theinvention.

[0044] Traditional livehaul trucks and methods of using same aredepicted in FIGS. 1A-1C. Insulated tanks for use with (and fixation to)these traditional livehaul trucks are known in the art and availablefrom numerous commercial sources such as Seaplast PLC (Dalvik, Iceland),Seaplast Canada Ltd. (New Brunswick, Canada) and Peterson FiberglassLaminates, Inc (Shell Lake, Wis.). These insulated tanks may bemanufactured from a number of different materials including fiberglass,plastic, wood, and metal. The traditional long distance livehaul tankhas a permanently adhered top having a hinged lid therein to facilitateaccess to the tank interior and one or more large circular orrectangular release gates on the side thereof for discharge of water andfish together.

[0045] The present invention provides a modular insulated container or“tote” and method for use of same to transport and store live fish overextended periods of time with minimal morbidity and mortality. The tanksor “totes” of the present invention represent a vast improvement overtraditional livehaul fish tanks. The live fish transport tote of thepresent invention is preferably lightweight and durable and haveinterior and exterior surfaces that are completely accessible so as tofacilitate the decontamination and biological cleaning.

[0046] The live fish transport totes of the present invention may beused in combination with other aspects of the present invention, such asthe oxygen supply system, the balanced aquaculture solution and thewater treatment and delivery apparatus described herein. For example,the live fish transport tote may be used in combination with theimproved oxygen delivery system and chemically and biologically balancedaqueous system described herein. The insulated totes, in combinationwith the chemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution andthe oxygen supply system of the present invention, provides aself-supporting aqua-environment for the transportation and storage oflive fish over extended periods of time. In fact, fish may survive inthe tote environment for up to seven days without water exchange.Although this combination represents a preferred embodiment, the fishtotes of the present invention are not limited to this utility orcombination.

[0047] The modular fish tote, particularly when used in combination withthe balanced aquaculture solution of the present invention, may bedensely packed with fish with minimal stock loss. Fish density (poundsof fish per gallon of water or kilos of fish per cubic meter) for theinventive totes preferably ranges from about 0.75 to 3.5 lbs/gal, morepreferably about 1.5 to 2.5 lbs/gal. The inclusion of activated bacteriain the aquaculture solution allows for a 50% higher density than thatwithout bacteria. In a more preferred embodiment, the totes of thepresent invention allow for the transport of about 15,000 pounds of livefish on an 80,000 pound gross weight 18-wheeler delivered with less then10 dead fish after two days truck transit, traveling almost 3,000 miles.

[0048] The totes of the present invention are preferably made fromlightweight, durable, medium-density polyethylene resins. However, othermaterials such as fiberglass and other plastics are contemplated by theinvention. The totes are preferably fabricated from food-grade materialsso as to avoid issues of contamination and allow them to be easy toclean. A material is “food-grade” if it is inert or ingestible by humanwithout any ill-effect. In a preferred embodiment, the tote isfabricated from a material that is sufficiently translucent so as toallow for the monitoring of the status of the insulation layer, suchthat gaps in the insulation may be readily identified and repaired.

[0049] Another important aspect of the totes of the present invention isthermal performance. Unlike other live transport containers, the totesof the present invention do not need to include multiple drain plugs ora large release gate or hoisting/lifting points on two opposite sides,all of which significantly interfere with the thermal properties of thecontainer. In addition, the totes are preferably fabricated from a“double walled” material, i.e., a layer of insulating material isdisposed between the outer and inner tote walls. Exemplary insulatingmaterials include polymeric foams, such as self-expanding polyurethanefoams and foamed polystyrene. This double-wall construction facilitatesthe maintenance of species-appropriate water temperatures even inextreme weather conditions. Preferred totes will have a thermalresistance insulation factor of R18 or higher. The R-value is a measureof resistance to heat flow, therefore a higher R-value correlates tobetter insulation performance.

[0050] In another embodiment, the thermal performance is achieved by theuse an insulating tote cover. The cover preferably comprises athin-filmed radiant barrier on a linear low-density polypropylene (LLPP)substrate that reflects 97% of all radiant heat energy. Using such totecovers, one can maintain temperatures to ±1° F. for 24-hours in a 95° F.ambient air temperature and 30 mph wind blowing constantly across thecovered tote. The thin film radiant barrier may be a separate component,such as a tote cover, or, alternatively, can be fabricated into the totewall.

[0051] The particular dimensions of the live fish transport tote are notcritical to the invention. Preferred totes are those having a volumetriccapacity of greater than 500 liters (about 125 gallons), more preferablygreater than 1000 liters (about 250 gallons) and a weight capacity (whenfilled with water) of 1000 kilograms (about 2200 pounds) or more.Preferred totes are capable of transporting at least 250 pounds, morepreferably greater than 450 pounds of live fish.

[0052] A preferred embodiment of the live fish transport tote is shownin FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 2, the cube-like insulated fish tote (100)has a rectangular cross section, with a width of about 35-45 inches, alength of about 40-50 inches, and a height from base to lid of about40-50 inches. This size is preferred for several reasons. First, being40-50 inches high, the average person can stand next to the tote and usea small fishing net to net out the live fish therein. Second, the sizeallows for maximized packing and transport efficiency. The total dryweight is about 150-200 pounds and weight capacity (when filled withwater and fish) ranges from 2000-2500 pounds. Thus, 26 totes and 2PG4500 liquid oxygen tanks fit on a standard 48 foot long transporttrailer and their fill weight (water +fish) just reaches the 80,000pound gross weight allowed by federal highway limits.

[0053] As mentioned above, unlike conventional live fish transporttanks, the totes of the present invention do not require the use of aspecialized, dedicated transport truck. Their simplicity andself-sufficiency allows them to be carried by any standard truck, from aflatbed 18-wheeler to a covered three-axle truck to a panel van. Forexample, the totes of the present invention are designed to be“forkliftable” (i.e., having sides and/or base constructed to engage thefork tines of standard forklifts). As shown in FIG. 2, the tote includeforkliftable side walls (205), each of which include a plurality ofgrooves (210) that coordinate with a standard forklift. This designallows the tote to be lifted from any angle and from any position.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 2, the tote(200) includes a “forkliftable” footed base (215) having two sides thatcoordinate with the fork tines in an open fashion (i.e., allowing thetote to be easily lifted and transported) and two sides that coordinatewith the fork in a closed fashion (i.e., allowing the tote to not onlybe lifted and transported but also upended). This configuration isfurther depicted in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, the footed base (215)has corner and center supports or footings (220) that form a pluralityof recesses (225, 230) that coordinate with the tines of a fork lift(not shown). Open recesses (225) allow for the tote to be lifted andtransported by a standard forklift. Closed recesses (230) allow for thetote to be not only lifted and transported but upended to facilitatedumping on both fish and water from a full tote. While the size andshape of the totes of the present invention is not critical, thepreferred tote has a base analogous to a commercially available“pallet”.

[0055] The footed base serves a secondary function in that it allows airto circulate beneath. This design essentially adds an additional layerof insulation, preventing direct contact heat transfer, furtherinsulating the fish environment within the tote from the interior truckenvironment and/or environment exterior to the truck.

[0056] The totes of the present invention may further be designed to bemodular and interlocking with each other or with the transport truck.For example, the totes may have coordinating features that releasablyattach and detach, allowing the totes to be either locked to each otheror onto the transport truck. In one preferred embodiment shown in FIG.3, the footed base (215) has a plurality of twist lock pin receivingholes (235) disposed in the corner supports (220). These twist lock pinreceiving holes coordinate with self-centering twist lock pins (237)shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Additional examples of such interlockingmechanisms are known in the art. The inclusion of such lockingmechanisms allows the tote to be locked in place on a truck. Thus, thetotes can be loaded and secured during transit yet easily detached atthe destination.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the tote (200) of the present invention alsoincludes a removable lid (240) having a vent hole (245) disposed in thecenter thereof. It has long been believed that the lid must becompletely sealed to prevent the water within the transport tank from“sloshing” over the sides during transport. The present inventorrecognized that the “slosh” phenomena only occurs at the periphery ofthe tank. Thus, one can indeed place a hole in the center without havingto worry about overflow.

[0058] This center vent hole (245) is an important aspect of theinvention as it allows the free exchanges of gases (oxygen in, carbondioxide and nitrogen/ammonia out) during transport. This free exchangenot only prevents the build up of toxic levels of unwanted gases butalso reduces the amount of infused oxygen required during transport. Thevent hole also serves a secondary function: providing a pathway for anoxygen delivery line, a line that preferably extends from a rotometerdisposed at the top of the tote to at least one oxygen diffuser disposedat the bottom. This configuration is depicted in FIG. 8 discussed indetail below.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, a bulkhead fitting (250) is disposedin the center vent hole (245). The bulkhead fitting (250) coordinateswith a short length of pipe, dubbed the “periscope” pipe (255). Thisconfiguration is best shown in FIG. 4. The periscope maintains the waterlevel inside the totes while allowing free air-exchange between theinterior and exterior environments. The periscope may be fabricated fromany suitable material though hard polymers such as polyvinyl chloride(PVC) are most preferred.

[0060] As discussed above, the periscope pipe (255) fitted in the centervent hole (245) of the tote lid (240) serves a secondary function:coordinating with the oxygen supply/delivery line of an oxygen deliverysystem. The periscope may further include a mounting mechanism (notshown), such as a bracket or coupler, for coordinating with the oxygenflow meter (rotometer) of an oxygen delivery system. The mountingmechanism allows the rotometer to be fixed to the tote periscope, suchthat the rotometer is vertical when the tote lid is horizontal. In analternate embodiment, the mounting mechanism comprises a swivel mount,wherein when the tote lid is removed (e.g., resting along side thetote), the rotometer can be swiveled into its required verticalposition, and used in that position. A preferred embodiment of thisconfiguration is described in detail below and best shown in FIG. 8.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment, the live fish transport tote (200)further includes a gasket (260) disposed between the tote side walls(205) and tote lid (240), allowing for a fluid tight seal. The tote sidewalls (205) may further include a gasket lip (272). This configurationis best depicted in FIGS. 4 and 6C.

[0062] While the lid is completely removable, it preferably include areleasable latching mechanism, allowing it to be locked to the tote sidewalls (205). A depiction of a preferred latching mechanism is shown inFIGS. 5 and 6A-C. As shown in FIG. 5, the tote lid (240) preferablyincludes a plurality of cam lock fitting (265) attached thereto byelasticized hoses (267). The cam lock fittings (265) coordinate with thecam lock hook (270) recessed within the tote corners.

[0063] Latches disposed in the four corner allows a forklift operator toundo two of the four latches (left or right side) and dump the fish fromthe tote by rotating the tote in the direction of the released twolatches. The lid swings outward and maintains a pendulum position,keeping the live fish from jumping out of the intended receiving body ofwater. After the fish are dumped out, reversing the rotation restoresthe lid in the correct position on the tote without the forkliftoperator having to dismount.

[0064] The totes (200) may further include a plurality of anchorspermanently or semipermanently adhered to the base of the interiorsurface. Like the totes themselves, the anchors are preferablyfabricated from an inexpensive, durable food-grade material such as mostplastics. The anchors are permanently or semi-permanently affixed to thebase of the tote by marine glue, epoxy or the like. Exemplary preferredadhesives suitable for the present invention include curable polyamideresins such as those sold under the tradename “J-B Weld®” (The J-B WeldCompany, Sulphur Springs, Tex.) and hot-melt polyolefin-basedthermoplastic adhesives.

[0065] The anchors serving as brackets for mounting the oxygen diffusersin position. This design allows the totes to be lifted and dumpedwithout damaging the diffusers while also allowing for quick removal andreinstallation of the diffusers for cleaning and repair. A preferredembodiment of the tote anchor in position in the tote base is shown inFIG. 7. The anchors (275) preferably comprise a flat square base havinga semi-circular arch (e.g., a bridge) disposed thereon. In a preferredembodiment, the top surface of the anchor is relatively flat so as toprovide a stable surface for the oxygen diffusers to rest upon. Roundedsurfaces result in a rocking motion which, in turn, can degrade theintegrity of the diffusers. The tote anchors in conjunction with apreferred embodiment of the oxygen delivery system is best shown in FIG.8.

[0066] Note, although conventional tanks have “fasteners” thatcoordinate with an oxygen delivery system, most such fasteners arepermanently affixed to holes drilled into the inside surface the tank.These holes allow water to enter the insulation space and compromise thethermal properties of the insulation. While the amount of water may notbe material to the volume of the tank, such modified tanks typicallyexperience severely degraded thermal performance and are often unable tomaintain water temperatures in adverse (i.e., large temperaturedifferentials) ambient conditions.

[0067] As mentioned above, the present invention is also directed to anoxygen delivery system specially designed for use in the transportationand storage of live fish over extended periods of time with minimalmorbidity and mortality and method for using same. The oxygen deliverysystem is made up of an oxygen flow meter (or rotometer); aquick-disconnect coupling for fluidically connecting the rotometer to anoxygen supply line; a series of radially projecting oxygen diffusers;and an oxygen delivery line fluidically connecting the oxygen diffusersto the rotometer.

[0068] The oxygen supply system of the present invention is mostpreferably used in combination with the modular live fish transporttotes of the present invention. In a further preferred embodiment, theoxygen delivery system coordinates with the tote periscope and anchorsadhered to the interior base of the live fish transport tote. However,it is readily apparent that the inventive oxygen supply system may beused in combination with other types of live fish containers.

[0069] A preferred embodiment of the oxygen delivery system, shown incombination with the preferred live fish transport tote, is depicted inFIGS. 8-10. As shown in FIG. 8, the oxygen delivery system (300)includes a supply end (305) and a delivery end (310), with an oxygenflow meter or rotometer (315) disposed in between the two. In apreferred embodiment, the rotometer further includes a fastening element(not shown) that coordinates with the mounting mechanism (317) of thetote periscope (255).

[0070] The rotometer is preferably fabricated entirely from plastic toavoid problems associated with those made with glass parts. The presenceof broken glass in a food-grade environment can be quite problematic.The oxygen delivery system preferably comprises an inexpensive, almostdisposable rotometer of uncommonly low range, from about 0 to about 5.0SCFH. The rotometers of the traditional livehaul system are too big toallow for such fine adjustments. Dissolved oxygen levels that are toohigh on a localized basis or throughout a tank cause stress to the fishvia oxidation of the gill and eye surface membranes and inducing highdissolved oxygen levels in the blood of the fish. Aquaculturists referto this as gas bubble “disease”; in human scuba divers, it's known asthe bends. Internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, and thelike (e.g., those with numerous fine capillaries and thin walls) can bedestroyed by out-gassing of too high dissolved oxygen levels.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 8, the supply end of the rotometer (315)includes a short length of tubing (320) having a coupling mechanism(325) for fluidically connecting the short length of integral tubing(320) with a longer length of tubing (the supply line) that ultimatelyconnects to a source of oxygen, such as a liquid oxygen tank. Thecoupling (325) should allow for a secure, fluid tight seal to formbetween the rotometer and the supply line yet also allow for convenientdisconnection of the rotometer from the supply line when necessary(i.e., when totes are removed from truck and/or upended for dispensingfish). In a preferred embodiment, the pure oxygen service quickdisconnect fittings is non-spark producing and made completely frommaterials that are non-combustible. In a further preferred embodiment,the coupling is not capable of connecting with compressed air lines andis painted a particular color (e.g., dark green) to denote oxygen. Itshould maintain functionality without the requirement of combustiblelubricants. In a more preferred embodiment, the coupling isquick-disconnect coupling analogous to those utilized for air hoses atgas stations, preferably one that is OSHA approved for pure oxygenservice.

[0072] Referring again to FIG. 8, the delivery end (327) of therotometer (315) is fluidically connected to another length of oxygentransporting tubing, the oxygen delivery line (330). The length of thedelivery line (330) is preferably sufficient to allow for the removaland repositioning of the tote lid without disconnecting the beveragehose from the radial oxygen diffusers at the bottom of the tote. Boththe oxygen supply line (not shown) and oxygen delivery line (330) may befabricated from virtually any non-reactive material though anon-kinking, non-collapsible tube such as a braided beverage hose ispreferred.

[0073] The oxygen delivery line (330) in turn is sealingly coupled tothe top port of a five way cross (331). Lengths of rigid polymerictubing, such as PVC pipe, are attached to the cross side ports. Oxygendiffusers (335), preferably silica oxygen diffusers, are disposed aboutthe delivery ends of each pipe.

[0074] The oxygen delivery system is intended to be modular and easilyremovable from the bottom of the fish transport tank. The oxygendiffusers may be held in position in the bottom of the tank by anynon-permanent means. In a preferred embodiment, shown in exploded viewin FIG. 10, the diffusers (335) are tied to anchors (275), adhered tothe bottom of the transport tank, by plastic wires and/orratcheting/locking cable ties (345). The oxygen diffusers preferablyfurther include one or more rubber bumpers (350) disposed about theperiphery. These bumpers prevent the diffusers from being damaged duringinsertion, removal and transport.

[0075] The Inventor has observed that fish, when stressed in transport,tend to congregate in the corners or about the periphery of the tank.The radially projecting configuration allows the highest concentrationsof oxygen to be directed to the area of the tank with the highestconcentration of fish. Although the “X” or cross described hereinrepresents a preferred embodiment, it is clear that other configurationsthat facilitate directing oxygen flow to the tank periphery arecontemplated by the invention. Exemplary shapes for the oxygen diffuserconfiguration include circles, spirals, asterisks and the like.

[0076] A top down view of the preferred embodiment of the oxygen supplysystem of the present invention positioned in the bottom of a fishtransport tote, particularly depicting the preferred “X” configurationof the oxygen diffusers, is shown in FIG. 9. The X-configuration oxygendiffusing system (300) disposed on the interior base of a cube-like fishtransport tote (200) is shown. Braided beverage hose delivery line (330)is attached to the supply end to the rotometer (315). In a preferredembodiment, the delivery line and rotometer are disposed in theperiscope of the tank lid. The delivery end of the delivery line (330)is attached to the top port of a 5-way PVC cross (331). The side ports(334) are fluidically connected to delivery arms or pipes (340), whichin turn are fitted with micro-fine silica oxygen diffusers (335), thediffusers preferably disposed about the respective ends of the deliverypipes. The X-configuration is positioned in the base of the tank suchthat the flow of oxygen is directed toward the tank corners (332). Eachoxygen diffusers further includes at least two rubber rings or bumpers(350), preferably one disposed on either end. The diffusers (335) arereleasably attached to anchors (275) adhered to the base of the tote viaplastic cable ties (345). This design allows the totes to be lifted anddumped without damaging the diffusers. The design further allows for thediffusers to be quickly removed for cleaning and/or repair and just asquickly re-installed.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the oxygen diffusers are silicamicro-pore oxygen diffusers capable of distributing the very small pureoxygen bubbles into the water column of the tote. The small bubblesresults in a high transfer efficiency of oxygen gas to dissolved oxygenin the tote water. Micro-pore silican oxygen diffusers are mostpreferred because they are inexpensive, have very efficient oxygentransfer, and create very small bubbles that do not disturb or excitethe fish.

[0078] Traditional transport truck frequently use air stones or largepore bubblers/diffusers to maintain proper oxygen saturation.Importantly, air stones are not oxygen diffusers. Air contains 20%oxygen by volume, and thus if air is used, five-times the bubbles arerequired. This “boiling” of the water using air is bad for the fish inthat it makes them too active in a small space. Compressed air istypically at ambient or high temperature. Thus, infusion of air resultsin the warming of the tank water. Conversely, liquid oxygen is 100%oxygen, and cryogenic. Gaseous oxygen from a liquid source helps loweror maintain the water temperature.

[0079] However, livehaul systems that utilize cryogenic oxygen withlarge pore bubblers still suffer from numerous drawbacks. First, thepores of the traditional diffusers have a tendency to get dirty andclogged. Unlike the diffusers of the present invention, diffusers of thetraditional system are permanently fixed to the bottom of the tanks andcan not be cleaned in place. Using large pore bubblers and air stonesnot only wastes oxygen supplies but still “boils” the water making thefish too active.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the diffusers are compatible withmuratic acid, a material commonly used to periodically clean the poresof silica diffusers. As muratic acid is both expensive and caustic, caremust be taken to use the cleaner in small volumes, preferably away fromthe other inventive components.

[0081] During transport of live fish, it is preferable that the oxygensaturation level be maintained as close to 100% as possible. Using theoxygen delivery system described herein, the appropriate oxygen levelcould be maintained in a conventional 250-300 gallon fish tank by aninfusion rate of about 0-20, more preferably 0-10, more preferably 0-5standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH). A single conventional PG4500 tankof liquid oxygen would last about 4 to 5 days. Conversely, traditionallivehaul trucks infuse oxygen at a rate of 10-100, more preferably20-200 SCFH, exhausting a standard PG4500 tank in less than 24 hours.Traditional livehaul trucks, therefore, must carry additional spareoxygen tanks if traveling more than 24 hours. While some truckershook-up two PG4500 in parallel, there is considerable art in balancingthe internal and external gas pressures of two PG4500's so that one willempty first while the second remains in reserve. Those truckers that optto carry additional unconnected spare liquid oxygen tanks are subject tothe HMR regulations described above. Thus, the oxygen delivery system ofthe present invention is clearly much more efficient than those of theprior art. The reduced infusion rate not only reduces the overall amountof oxygen delivered but also generates a less turbulent flow, with muchsmaller bubbles. The smaller bubbles are more easily dissolved in waterbecause they have more surface area in contact with water per bubblevolume than larger diameter bubbles. This correlates to more efficientand effective oxygen delivery. Increased water head pressure and depthof bubbler submersion also correlate to enhanced oxygen transferefficiency.

[0082] Central to the invention was the idea that fish could beharvested, transported and stored until sale in a single environment,without the need for cumbersome equipment such as on-board waterexchange and water recycling machines. Thus, one goal of the inventionwas to develop a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculturesolution that could maintain physiological parameters within acceptableranges to ensure the delivery of healthy fish with minimal stock loss.The balanced aquaculture solution of the present invention provides aninexpensive self-contained, self-maintained healthy environmenttransporting and storing live fish.

[0083] The present invention also provides a chemically and biologicallybalanced aquaculture solution for transporting and storing live fishover extended periods of time with minimal morbidity and mortality andmethod for making same. The balanced aquaculture solution of the presentinvention provides an inexpensive self-contained, self-maintainedhealthy environment for transporting and storing live fish. In apreferred embodiment, the balanced aquaculture solution of the presentinvention is used in combination with other aspects of the presentinvention, such as the water treatment and delivery apparatus and themodular live fish transport totes. However, the inventive balancedaquaculture solution is not limited to this utility.

[0084] Important features of the inventive aquaculture solution includenot only those components that are present but also those that areabsent. Herein, for convenience and clarity purposes, the aquaculturesolution is often described in terms by the general process for makingit. However, it is clear that the aquaculture solution is not limited bythis process.

[0085] The water component of the aquaculture solution typicallyoriginates from city sources, from private water wells, or from pondreservoir. City water supplies typically contain chlorine and fluorides.Particulate matter and suspended or dissolved organic matter present inthe water tend to irritate the gills of the fish, providing anutrient-rich home for bacteria which in-turn “smother” or interferewith the water-gill interface surface area. Therefore, the aquaculturesolution should be substantially free from particulate matter andsuspended debris. In a preferred embodiment, the source water isfiltered through a series of filters including a particulate filter of2-5 microns filtration and at least one activated charcoal filter.

[0086] The aquaculture solution must be equilibrated to transporttemperature, the temperature that is sufficient to induce aquasi-hibernation condition. Herein, we refer to this condition as“thermal stasis” . The physiologically acceptable transport temperaturesufficient to induce thermal stasis will vary from species to species.For example, warm water fish such as tilapia are farmed in ponds thatare maintained at about 80° F. (27° C.). The transport temperaturesufficient to induce thermal stasis in tilapia is about 65-70° F.(18-21° C.), more preferably about 68° F. (20° C.). Clearly, cold waterfish, such as trout or salmon, require a lower transport temperature, inthe range of 40-50° F. (5-10° C.). The range of transport temperaturesacceptable for each particular species of fish can be readily determinedby one of ordinary skill in the art of commercial aquaculture.

[0087] The aquaculture solution is titrated to the appropriate calciumwater hardness level suitable for transport. This is achieved by addingcalcium additives, preferably food-grade calcium additives such ascalcium salts (e.g., calcium chloride quicklime, calcium carbonate,calcium hydroxide, dolomite lime, pickling lime) and the like. Fishscales appear to toughen or harden in response to increasing waterhardness. The toughened scales serve as a shield, protecting againstinjuries associated with the high density conditions of transport. Thephysiologically “appropriate” calcium water hardness level will varyfrom one species of fish to the next. It is preferably about 20-60 ppm,more preferably 30-50 ppm, even more preferably about 40 ppm.

[0088] The aquaculture solution includes as osmoregulant, a componentthat establishes and maintains a proper osmotic gradient that, in turn,ensures proper electrolytic balance in the fish. This is preferablyachieved by adding salts, preferably food-grade salts such as sodiumchloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride andthe like. The salt level should not rise to a therapeutic level.

[0089] Importantly, the requisite osmoregulatory gradient varies fromspecies to species. Fresh water fish “swallow” water normally tomaintain their blood and flesh electrolytic balance, extracting theminerals and salts from the water that they eventually excrete fromtheir bladder. Salt water fish don't have to “swallow” water, as theconcentration of salts in the water is higher then the blood in theirgills. Osmosis moves the higher concentration of salts in the wateracross the gill membrane into the blood until the concentration of saltsin the blood matches that of the water. An exemplary appropriateosmoregulatory level of salt for fresh water fish ranges from 1-10 ppt,more preferably 2-7 ppt, even more preferably about 3 ppt. The requisiteosmoregulatory level of salt for other species can be readily determinedby one of ordinary skill in the art, without undue experimentation.

[0090] Another important feature of the aquaculture solution is oxygen.The oxygen level in the aquaculture system is continuously monitored andmaintained before transport. When used in combination with a reliablepassive oxygen delivery system and a thermally insulated tote, it neednot be monitored in transit. The oxygen saturation level should bemaintained as close to 100% as possible. The oxygen saturation levelpreferably is greater than 75%, more preferably greater than 85%, evenmore preferably greater than 95%.

[0091] Note that different species have different minimum dissolvedoxygen level requirements. For example, tilapia and catfish both survivefor sustained periods in dissolved oxygen levels of 1-1.5 ppm, wellbelow saturation. Hybrid striped bass, salmon, and trout get excitedwhen dissolved oxygen levels approach 3-4 ppm, which suggests that thedissolved oxygen level is preferably maintained below that level. Also,oxygen saturation varies with temperature. The cooler the water, themore dissolved oxygen it can hold. An exemplary oxygen delivery systemis described above. However, the aquaculture solution is not limited tothis system.

[0092] High concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen (e.g.,ammonia) typically build up in the relatively confined volume live fishcontainer. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide can be toxic, even lethal.For example, for most fish, C0 ₂ is toxic at 60 ppm and lethal at 100ppm. Thus, it must be removed from the initial aquaculture solution tothe extent possible. In a preferred embodiment, the aquaculture solutionis initially established to be substantially free from both C0 ₂ andammonia.

[0093] Vented air-exchange alone cannot maintain the next-to-zero levelof C0 ₂ and ammonia. The aquaculture solution also contains balancingcomponents to maintain physiologically acceptable ranges over extendedperiods of time. The balancing components ensure that the C0 ₂ andammonia content in the aquaculture solution does not approach the toxicand/or lethal levels discussed above.

[0094] As mentioned above, the aquaculture solution further includes“balancing components”. These balancing components promote themaintenance of physiologically acceptable conditions over extendedperiods of time. For example, although the tank water is initiallynitrogen/ammonia-free, the introduction of fish excrement into thesolution during transport and storage will result in an increasingconcentration of nitrogen and ammonia over time. The balancingcomponents of the aquaculture solution include both chemical (e.g., pHbuffers) and biological (e.g., ammonia harvesting bacteria) balancers.

[0095] The aquaculture solution is preferably buffered to a pH justbelow neutral, more preferably between 6.8 and 6.9. Standard bufferingsystems utilizing an ammonia/ammonium (NH₃/NH₄) gradient are notsuitable to the present invention because ammonia becomes increasinglytoxic at increasing pH. In fact, it is toxic to most species of fish ata pH of 7.3 and above. Thus, a more natural, preferably a food-grade pHbuffering system is preferred. For example, table vinegar (acetic acid)may be added to lower the pH and pickling lime (calcium hydroxide) addedto bring it back up.

[0096] Table vinegar (5-7% pure acetic acid) preferably is used. Thepercent by volume varies according to the initial pH level of the waterto be treated and the amount of pH buffering chemicals present in thatwater. Likewise, pickling lime percent by volume varies according to theinitial pH of the water to be treated and the amount of pH bufferingchemicals present in that water. The required amount of buffer can bereadily calculated by one of ordinary skill in the art, using standardtools and without undue experimentation.

[0097] Importantly, the aquaculture solution is not only chemicallybalanced but also biologically balanced. The solution may furtherinclude a cultured strain of bacteria therein to promote the maintenanceof the physiologically appropriate conditions. Though the bacteria maybe dormant, in a preferred embodiment it is activated. The particularstrain utilized may vary from one species of fish to the next. Examplesof bacteria include nitrifying bacteria such as species of Nitrosomonas,Nitrobacters, Nitrococcus, Nitrosoccus; sludge digesting cultures suchas Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus licheniformis, andStreptococcus faecium; and fungus eating bacteria such as Bacillussubtilis, Bacillus coagulans, and Bacillus licheniformis. Bacteriauseful in combination with the aquaculture solution of the presentinvention are commercially available from a number of sources such asStar Biological (Dallas, Tex.) and Custom Biologicals (Boca Raton,Fla.). Examples of suitable bacteria include but are not limited toanaerobic denitrifying strains such as bacteria of the genera AeromonasPsuedomonas, and Bacillis (U.S. Pat. No. 5,556,536); iron and sulfuroxidizing strains such as Bacillus circulans, Bacillus pumilus, Bacilluspolymyxa, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas sp. 200, Bacillusacidocaldarius, Aerobacter aerogenes, Esherichia coli, Bacillus cereus,Bacillus mesentericus, Clostridium polymyxa, Bacillus centrosporus,Bacillus megaterium, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridiumsaccharobutyricum, Bacillus 29, and Bacillus 29A (U.S. Pat. No.4,880,740) and fungus degraders such as the actinomycete strains ofbacteria, Streptomyces WYEC 108, Streptomyces WYE 53 and StreptomycesYCED 9 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,503).

[0098] In one preferred embodiment, the balanced aquaculture solution ofthe present invention is used in combination with other aspects of thepresent invention, such as the water treatment and delivery apparatusand the modular fish transport totes. However, the balanced aquaculturesolution of the present invention is not limited to this utility.

[0099] The present invention further provides an automated watertreatment and delivery apparatus and method for use thereof for thetransportation and storage of live fish over extended periods of timewith minimal morbidity and mortality. In a preferred embodiment, theautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus of the presentinvention is used in combination with other aspects of the presentinvention, such as the modular fish transport totes. However, theautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus of the presentinvention is not limited to this utility.

[0100] The automated water treatment and delivery apparatus,schematically depicted in FIG. 11, generally includes (i) a coarsematter filter (405); (ii) an ammonia remover (410); (iii) a temperaturecontroller (415); (iv) a filtered water reservoir (420); (v) a carbondioxide remover (not shown); (vi) a dispensing mechanism (425); (vii) asuction mechanism (430); and (viii) a circulation pump (435). Theautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus may further beoperatively connected to an oxygen supply source (500).

[0101] The water to be treated typically originates from city sources(440), from private wells or from pond reservoir. Filtered city water isstored in a backwash reservoir (445) and eliminated via back washdrainage (450). Alternatively, the source water may be suctioned from aplurality of transport tanks (455) having harvested fish and well waterdisposed therein. This source water must be filtered to removeparticulate matter and suspended debris. The initial filtration systempreferably utilizes a series of cartridge filters including aparticulate filter of 2-5 microns filtration and at least one,preferably at least two, activated charcoal filter.

[0102] Prior to return to the harvest/transport tank, the water isfiltered to remove ammonia. The physical embodiment of the ammoniaremover may take virtually any form. Large sand/swimming pool nitrogenfilters, e.g., 30-36 inches in diameter, such as those standard in theart through which large volumes of water may be pumped, are preferred.The ammonia removal itself may occur by chemical or biological means. Ina preferred embodiment, the ammonia remover (410) utilizes a zeolitemedia. Though cream-colored zeolite may be used, it tends to flake andleave a skim milk appearance to the water. In the context of the presentinvention, the gray-green zeolite is most preferred. It is clear,however, that other nitrogen/ammonia removing systems such aschlorination followed by peroxide dosing (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,012incorporated by reference herein) may be used in the water treatmentapparatus.

[0103] The water treatment and delivery apparatus further includes anautomated temperature control mechanism. The temperature controlmechanism carefully controls the amount of temperature change and therate of change per unit of time, digitally monitoring and adjustingagainst given settings, without human intervention. A water chiller-heatpump (415) is preferred as it allows for the efficient heating orcooling of the reservoir/tote water to the transport temperatureappropriate to the particular fish species being transported. Watertemperature can be safely lowered at a faster rate than it may beraised. Typically, water temperature is lowered at a rate of about 2° C.per hour and raised at a rate of about 1° C. per hour when raise watertemperature.

[0104] The water treatment and delivery apparatus further includes areservoir (420) where the filtered, nitrogen/ammonia-reduced, cooledwater is held prior to return to the transport tank. The reservoir wateris cycled or splashed to remove carbon dioxide. Though physical carbondioxide purging is the preferred method of C0 ₂ removal, alternatemechanisms are also acceptable. The reservoir also serves as thelocation for the introduction of biochemical additives, such as calciumand sodium, and chemical and biological balancing component, such as pHbuffers and nitrifying bacteria.

[0105] The chemically and biologically balanced reservoir water is thenfed to a plurality of live fish transport tanks (455). In a preferredembodiment, the water is gravity fed through a supply line (460) that isfluidically connected to a supply manifold (465). The supply line (460)and supply manifold (465) are preferably large diameter tubes made froma non-reactive durable material such as PVC. A plurality of flexible,valved hoses (470) extend from the supply manifold. The valves (notshown) allow for the operation of the system with any number of tanks.The supply hoses (470) are placed in the tanks (455).

[0106] The water treatment and delivery apparatus further includes aseries of suction hoses (472). Initially, suction hoses were selectedfrom opaque flexible spiral hoses, such as those used for swimmingpools. These were found to be very temperature sensitive, loosingflexibility and becoming stiff at cooler temperatures. The opaque natureof the hoses prevented air leaks from being seen. Subsequently,transparent, smooth-inside-diameter, spiral flexible hoses that justslip over the outside diameter of PVC pipe snuggly without air leakswere utilized and deemed preferred. The suction hoses (472) coordinatewith a suction manifold (475) and, in turn, a, suction line (480). Thesuction line (480) is operatively connected to a circulation pump (435).The pump (435) may optionally feed water through an in-linepre-filtration device (405) before circulating it back to the ammoniaremover (410). The pre-filter (405) is preferably a bag filter, morepreferably two bag filters installed in duplex. This eliminates the needfor work stoppage during cleaning and repair. The duplex arrangementallows one filter to be in use while the other is cleaned or repaired.The filtered water is then pumped back into the ammonia remover andrecirculated through the water treatment apparatus, if necessary.

[0107] Many metals are toxic in various degrees to fish. Copper tubingand piping have often been used to make the “bubbler racks” intraditional livehaul trucks. Recognizing the risks inherent in suchmaterials, the components of the present system, from the oxygendelivery system to the water treatment and delivery apparatus, arepreferably substantially free from metal and metal additives. Forexample, the pipe fittings, couplings and valves of the presentinvention are preferably free from copper and substantially free frombrass (an alloy containing copper and zinc) and bronze (an alloy ofcopper and tin). Components that require the strength or thermalproperties of metal, such as the coils of thewater-chiller/heat-exchanger of the water treatment and deliveryapparatus, are preferably made from titanium to avoid copper toxicity.

[0108] The invention herein contemplates not only an “origin” automatedwater treatment and delivery apparatus but also a “destination”apparatus, e.g., a remote site where the treated water (e.g., thechemically and biologically balanced aquaculture) near the end of itsuseable life could be re-treated to extend delivery times. Whereas theorigin apparatus would be used at the fish farm itself, the destinationapparatus could be installed at distribution sites distant from the fishfarm. The use of a destination apparatus would not only keep the fish atthe peak of perfection at the destination, but also double the densityof bio-mass per tote on the truck, halving the transportation cost perpound of fish transported. The components of the destination watertreatment and delivery apparatus would be essentially the same as theorigin one, though likely on a smaller scale.

[0109] Although the foregoing invention has been described in somedetail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatcertain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. An oxygen delivery system comprising an oxygen flowmeter having a supply coupling for fluidically connecting said flowmeter to an oxygen supply line and a delivery coupling for fluidicallyconnecting said flow meter to an oxygen delivery line; an oxygendiffusing system having a plurality of radially extending oxygendiffusers, said diffusers directing oxygen to the periphery of a fishtank; and an oxygen delivery line sealingly connecting said flow meterto said oxygen diffusing system.
 2. The oxygen delivery system of claim1, wherein said oxygen diffusers further comprise micro-fine silicadiffusers.
 3. The oxygen delivery system of claim 1, further comprisingan oxygen supply source fluidically connected to said flow meter viasaid supply coupling.
 4. A live fish transport tote comprising a modularinsulated container formed from a lightweight, durable material havinginterior and exterior surfaces, an integral footed base and sidewalls,and a removable lid with a vent hole disposed in the center thereof. 5.The tote of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of mounting bracketsadhered to said interior surface.
 6. The tote of claim 4, furthercomprising a footed base and sidewall grooves, both of which coordinatewith the tines of a forklift.
 7. The tote of claim 4, further comprisinga bulkhead fitting disposed within said vent hole for securing aperiscope pipe.
 8. The tote of claim 7, further comprising a periscopepipe for venting said tote to the exterior environment attached to saidbulkhead fitting.
 9. A live fish transport tote comprising a modularinsulated container formed from a lightweight, durable material, saidcontainer further comprising: (1) interior and exterior surfaces, thebase of said interior surface having a plurality of mounting bracketsadhered thereto; (2) an integral base and sidewalls, said base andsidewalls having grooves which coordinate with the tines of a forklift;(3) a removable lid with a vent hole disposed in the center thereof,said vent hole further comprising a bulkhead fitting disposed withinsaid vent hole for securing a periscope pipe and a periscope pipe forventing said tote to the exterior environment attached to said bulkheadfitting; and (4) an oxygen delivery system comprising (i) an oxygen flowmeter having a supply coupling for fluidically connecting said flowmeter to an oxygen supply line and a delivery coupling for fluidicallyconnecting said flow meter to an oxygen delivery line; (ii) an oxygensupply source fluidically connected to said flow meter via said supplycoupling; (iii) an oxygen diffusing system having a plurality ofradially extending oxygen diffusers, said diffusers directing oxygen tothe periphery of a fish tank; and (iv) an oxygen delivery line sealinglyconnecting said flow meter to said oxygen diffusing system, wherein saidflow meter and delivery line are disposed within said vent hole andlockingly coordinate with said bulkhead fitting and periscope pipe, andsaid mounting brackets lockingly coordinate with said radial arms ofsaid oxygen diffusing system.
 10. The tote of claim 9, wherein saidradial arms are removably anchored to said mounting brackets.
 11. Achemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution fortransporting and storing live fish over extended periods of time withminimal morbidity and mortality, said solution being substantially freefrom carbon dioxide and ammonia and comprising an osmoregulatory saltgradient, an oxygen saturation level sufficient to maintain a pluralityof fish, a calcium water hardness level sufficient to induce tougheningof fish scales, a dynamic pH buffering system, and a bioactive bacterialculture, said solution maintained at a temperature sufficient to inducethermal stasis.
 12. The aquaculture solution of claim 11, wherein theconcentration of calcium in said solution is about 20 to about 60 ppm.13. The aquaculture solution of claim 11, wherein the concentration ofsaid osmoregulatory salt in said solution is about 1 to 10 ppt.
 14. Theaquaculture solution of claim 11, wherein said dynamic pH bufferingsystem maintains a solution pH of about 6.8 to about 6.9.
 15. Theaquaculture solution of claim 11; wherein said bacterial culture iscomprised of an activated nitrifying strain of bacteria.
 16. Anautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus for chemically andbiologically removing water from a plurality of live fish transporttanks, and treating and returning said water to said tanks, saidapparatus comprising: (1) an ammonia remover; (2) a temperaturecontroller; (3) a water reservoir; (4) a carbon dioxide remover; (5) awater dispenser; (6) a suction system; and (7) a circulation pump forcirculating water through components (1)-(6); wherein said componentsare fluidically interconnected.
 17. The automated water treatment anddelivery apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a coarse matterfilter disposed between said circulation pump and said ammonia remover.18. The automated water treatment and delivery apparatus of claim 16,wherein said ammonia remover comprises a nitrogen filter.
 19. Theautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus of claim 18, whereinsaid nitrogen filter comprises a bag filter.
 20. The automated watertreatment and delivery apparatus of claim 19, wherein said bag filtercomprises a zeolite.
 21. The automated water treatment and deliveryapparatus of claim 16, wherein said temperature controller comprises aheat pump.
 22. The automated water treatment and delivery apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein said carbon dioxide remover comprises a mechanicalsplashing device.
 23. The automated water treatment and deliveryapparatus of claim 22, wherein said mechanical splashing devicecomprises a rotary paddle disposed in said reservoir.
 24. The automatedwater treatment and delivery apparatus of claim 16, wherein said waterdispenser includes a supply line fluidically connected to a supplymanifold fluidically connected to a plurality of supply hoses.
 25. Theautomated water treatment and delivery apparatus of claim 24, whereinsaid plurality of supply hoses are valved.
 26. The automated watertreatment and delivery apparatus of claim 24, wherein said waterreservoir is elevated, allowing water to be delivered along said supplyline to said supply manifold by gravity.
 27. The automated watertreatment and delivery apparatus of claim 16, wherein said suctionsystem comprises a plurality of suction hoses fluidically connected to asuction manifold fluidically connected to said circulation pump.
 28. Amethod for preparing a chemically and biologically balanced aquaculturesolution for use in transporting live fish over extended period of timecomprising: (a) removing particulate matter from source water; (b)filtering said source water through an ammonia remover; (c) adjustingthe temperature of said filtered water to a temperature suitable toinduce thermal stasis in fish; (d) removing carbon dioxide from saidcooled, filtered water; and (e) adding chemical and biological balancingcomponents to said water.
 29. The chemically and biologically balancedaquaculture solution prepared by the water treatment method of claim 28.30. A method for transporting and storing live fish over extendedperiods of time comprising: (a) harvesting a quantity of fish and sourcewater into a plurality of live fish transport totes; (b) coordinatingsaid totes with an automated water treatment and delivery apparatus,said automated water treatment and delivery apparatus comprising asuction system, a circulation pump, at least one filtration component,at least one treatment component, and a water dispenser; (c) removingsource water from said totes by said suction system; (d) circulatingsaid source water through said filtration component to establishfiltered source water; (e) circulating said filtered source waterthrough said treatment component to establish a chemically andbiologically balanced aquaculture solution; (f) returning saidchemically and biologically balanced aquaculture solution via said waterdispenser to said plurality of live fish transport totes; and (g)loading said totes onto a delivery vehicle; wherein said fish may betransported and stored within said totes for an extended period of timewith minimal stock loss.